Chile, Bolivia & Peru: High Deserts of the Andes
Example Itinerary
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Overview
A journey through three of South America’s most diverse and fascinating destinations, this is a true voyage of discovery and contrasts. Travelling from the spectacular deserts of northern Chile to the vast salt pans of southern Bolivia and into the deep canyons of Peru, you’ll experience landscapes that combine a sense of real isolation with truly unforgettable images, unrivalled anywhere else on the continent.
Beginning in the Chilean capital of Santiago, you will have an ...
A journey through three of South America’s most diverse and fascinating destinations, this is a true voyage of discovery and contrasts. Travelling from the spectacular deserts of northern Chile to the vast salt pans of southern Bolivia and into the deep canyons of Peru, you’ll experience landscapes that combine a sense of real isolation with truly unforgettable images, unrivalled anywhere else on the continent.
Beginning in the Chilean capital of Santiago, you will have an opportunity to explore the colonial heart of the city, before flying on to Calama and the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest desert. Sculpted by the wind, this incredible region is peppered with volcanic peaks, sulphurous lagoons and remote settlements. Then there are the salt flats of the Bolivian Antiplano, the largest on the planet, truly a photographer’s dream. From here, you’ll fly to La Paz to uncover the cultural highlights such as the Witch Doctor’s Market and Tiwanaku ruins, the oldest civilisation in the Americas. Continue to the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca to meet boat builders, trek llama trails and drink from a sacred fountain, before then crossing over to meet the communities living on the lake’s Peruvian side via a speedboat cruise.
The final leg of the journey takes you to the impressive Colca Canyon, home to the legendary condor. The canyon provides a chance for some dramatic hiking before travelling through a panorama of snow-capped mountains, volcanoes and herds of vicuna to the colonial cities of Arequipa and Lima.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the temples and preserved cultures of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia and Peru
- Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Atacama Desert in Chile
- Cross the extensive Salt Lake of southern Bolivia and visit the train graveyard of Uyuni
- Watch condors soar across the awe inspiring Colca Canyon in Peru
- Enjoy the cosmopolitan culture of Santiago and Lima
- Explore Sun Island with a stay on remarkable Lake Titicaca
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE SANTIAGO (CHILE)
Upon your arrival in Santiago you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Once you are settled in the afternoon, enjoy a half day tour of the city to discover its historic and modern districts. A host of colonial churches and palaces adorn the area around the main square, and you will also visit the new commercial area where the city’s progressive culture is being forged. Finally, take a funicular ride up San Cristobal Hill to the statue of the Virgin where on clear days, spectacular views of snow-capped mountain peaks can be observed.
Day 2 SANTIAGO – CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Head north with a flight to Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Thrust straight into the desert wilderness by driving through the Moon Valley, here you will be able to witness barren lunarscapes and salt sculptures made by wind erosion, before enjoying one of the finest sunsets in Chile.
Day 3 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Today you’ll head into the desert’s largest salt flat inhabited by various species of flamingo. Then arrive at the expansive lagoons that flow down from the nearby volcanoes, with the scenery mirrored in their beautiful crystal waters. Along the way you will come across traditional settlements constructed from adobe, cacti wood and volcanic stone. There’ll be an opportunity to visit a workshop and crafts market before returning to your hotel.
Day 4 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
An early start as you make your way to the Tatio Geysers where geothermal activity is at its peak at dawn, with some geysers spurting up to 8m high. After a picnic breakfast, enjoy the thermal pools (dependent on geothermal activity) and learn about the local villages dedicated to herding and agriculture. At the end of the day, transfer to your hotel for your last night in Atacama.
Day 5 SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – UYUNI SALT FLATS (BOLIVIA)
This morning head to the Bolivian border at Hito Cajón to cross over. You will be met on the Bolivian side and taken to Eduardo Avaroa National Park, a landscape of salt pans, volcanoes and thermal springs. Visit the stunning Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon) at the foot of Licancabur Volcano. There is the option to go for a short hike to spot more Andean birdlife before arriving at your accommodation. Continue to “Sol de Mañana” Geysers, with fumaroles and volcanic craters of spectacular formation, reminiscent of the landscape dating back to the earth’s beginnings. The next stop is Laguna Colorada, known for its red waters and flocks of flamingo. Arrive at the Hotel Los Flamencos for an overnight stay.
Day 6 UYUNI SALT FLATS
Your expedition continues across the Siloli desert where you pass volcanoes, traditional villages and sulphurous lagoons en route to the largest salt flat in the world. Also of interest is the renowned train cemetery where steel trains have been eroded by the desert winds. End the journey in Colchani to see the process of salt treatment, then check into your Salt Hotel on the shores of the Uyuni Salt Lake.
Day 7 UYUNI SALT FLATS
Finally, you will arrive at the Gran Salar de Uyuni where photo opportunities abound. Take in the magnificence of this natural wonder before hiking up the island of cacti located in the middle of the salt flat. In the afternoon visit the mummies of Thunupa before returning to the salt for sunset on the bank.
Day 8 UYUNI SALT FLATS – LA PAZ – TIWANACU – LA PAZ
Depart early this morning to catch a flight to La Paz. You will be met at the airport and taken on a tour to Tiwanku ruins. The archaeological site was home to the Tiwanaku culture (1.580 BC-1.000 AD), one of the oldest civilizations in the Americas. The Tiwanku were outstanding in agriculture, hydraulic, architecture and medicine, as well as in social organisation. Due to an economic crisis caused by a long dry season, Tiwanaku collapsed around 1.000 AD. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to La Paz for a free afternoon.
Day 9 LA PAZ
La Paz is framed by the majestic Illimani Mountain and has an interesting and varied history. Explore the city on a guided tour stopping at indigenous, colonial and modern areas such as the Indian Market and Witch Doctor's Market. Next, visit the Moon Valley, a clay formation resembling the face of the Moon. Finally, take the cable car ride over the city for another view before returning to your hotel and enjoying a free afternoon.
Day 10 LA PAZ – HUATAJATA – LAKE TITICACA
Rise early this morning to drive along the Royal Andean mountain range to the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through tiny Andean villages, flanked by snow-capped peaks rising to 6000m. Arrive into Huatajata and visit the Andean Roots Eco Village and The Altiplano Museum with its Handicrafts Village, Mud Igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas. Meet the Limachi family who built the RA II and Tigris which travelled on epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean. Then take the hydrofoil from Cocotoni to Isla del Sol (Sun Island). Trek along llama trails, stopping at Pilcocaina Sun Temple, to your overnight stay at Posada del Inca Eco Lodge.
Day 11 LAKE TITICACA (BOLIVIA) - LAKE TITICACA (PERU)
Following a leisurely morning, you will walk down the Inca “Grand Stairs” to the Sacred Fountain. Drink a sample of the water believed to give eternal youth and happiness. Then visit the handicraft market and eat lunch at the Uma Kollu archaeological restaurant before cruising to Moon Island to see the Sun Virgins Temple. Continue to Copacabana, stopping at the shrine and the Indian Dark Virgin, and take the bus to Puno on the Peruvian side of the lake. Overnight at Casa Andina Premium.
Day 12 LAKE TITICACA
The tour today will go against the flow of the big tourist groups by travelling by speedboat. The shortened journey time of 1.15hrs from 2.30hrs allows you to beat the crowds. The first stop is on Taquile, the weavers' island, where you will discover communitarian life, meaning everything on the island is shared. Then reach the less-visited community of Luquina on Chucuito Peninsula. Soak up the beautiful views of Lake Titicaca as you sample a typical Andean lunch. End the tour navigating back to Puno, stopping at the floating reed islands of the Uros.
Day 13 LAKE TITICACA - COLCA
In the early morning, you’ll leave Puno and head towards the Colca Valley. A six-hour drive will see you arriving at Chivay, Colca‘s most important town, where you’ll make a short stop to explore the local market. Afterwards continue the journey to the hotel.
Day 14 COLCA CANYON
Today is left at leisure to recover from the previous busy few days and explore the incredible setting of Colca Canyon from atmospheric Colca Lodge.
Day 15 COLCA - AREQUIPA
This morning, head to an observation point at one of the deepest parts of the canyon, the perfect place to look down at the rock formations and look up to spot the legendary condor. The bird with the largest wingspan in the world can be seen rising and circling above the canyon, silhouetted against the magnificent backdrop of Andean scenery. You will then be driven to Arequipa, stopping at picturesque towns on the way. The road descends the slopes of Chachani Volcano passing highland plains inhabited by herds of vicuna, the rarest and most timid of the South American camelids. Overnight at Palla Boutique.
Day 16 AREQUIPA - LIMA
Because some of the old buildings are made of white volcanic material (sillar), Arequipa is also known as the 'white city'. Today you’ll visit the extraordinary Santa Catalina Convent on a walking tour of the city. This huge 16th-century cloister once served as a town within itself housing 450 nuns. Traditionally, the oldest daughters of Arequipa's aristocratic families entered the convent in their early teens and spent their lives there, cloistered away. The convent complex has been beautifully refurbished, bringing the past vividly alive once more. You will then catch a flight to Lima, where you will be transferred to Arawi Hotel.
Day 17 DEPART LIMA
You will be met and transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight today, where your adventure ends.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Presidente Hotel, La Paz
The Presidente Hotel is a good three star hotel in downtown La Paz. While it doesn't have a huge amount of character the rooms are spacious and comfortable with everything you would need for your stay in the city. It is just a short walk from the San Francisco Church and witches market so is in a great location in the colonial part of the city. The Presidente has 103 rooms and suites, with en suite bathrooms, safety deposit boxes, 24 hour room service, wi-fi and cable television. The higher rooms are better as they are further from the street noise and also offer fantastic views across the city. There is a small indoor pool, sauna and steam room, a bar and restaurant on the 17th floor with 360 degree views of the city. This is a good value hotel in a fantastic location.
Luna Salada Hotel, Uyuni Salt Flats
Located on an elevated piece of land on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Luna Salada is a fantastic hotel built almost entirely of salt with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The hotel has 23 original rooms constructed from salt and 7 which are new additions. The hotel's 23 original rooms are entirely built of salt and the beds have comfortable mattresses with plenty of thick duvet to keep you warm when the cold nights set in. The majority of the rooms have views across the Salar de Uyuni and there are comfortable seating areas throughout the hotel for guests to relax and enjoy the views, as well as a games room. The restaurant boasts the same views across to the flats. This is by far the best salt hotel in the area in terms of comfort and service so well worth a stay for at least a night for a truly unique experience.
Posada Del Inca Lodge, Isla del Sol
Posada del Inca is a lovely 21 roomed traditional hotel on Sun Island, offering guests a peaceful and comfortable place to stay with fantastic views across Lake Titicaca. All of the rooms are basic but have electric blankets and hot water 24 hours a day. The rooms are spread out through the gardens and there is a central garden area where guests can relax in the sun when not out exploring the island. There is a small restaurant at the hotel. While this is still a basic hotel in terms of facilities, it is the best option on the island and a real haven. It is worth bearing in mind that to get to the hotel from the main harbour you do need to climb the Inca steps, which are quite tiring, especially at altitude.
Altiplanico San Pedro De Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama
The Altiplanico San Pedro de Atacama is a traditionally built adobe style hotel on the outskirts of the Atacaman town of San Pedro. The three star hotel faces the Licancabur Volcano and is desgined to merge with the desert through its construction from local materials in a homage to the architecture of Altiplano village. There area total of 29 rooms featuring an en suite bathroom, Wi-Fi and private terrace. Rooms come in single, doubles, triples and family rooms, with Superior rooms having an additional outdoor shower for a shower under the stars. There is a lovely pool on the grounds and a small restaurant, providing a true oasis from the desert surroundings.
Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno
This is the premium brand from the well-known and well-loved Peruvian Casa Andina hotels. Their Lake Titicaca hotel sits on the outskirts of the small town of Puno, around 10 minutes from the centre, on the banks of the lake itself. The hotel has just 46 rooms and suites each with a small balcony and differing views. Like most hotel options in Puno, rooms are quite plainly decorated with just a few photographs on the walls of the region. However, being out of town, they offer a bit more space and come complete with all international standard amenities. A draw of the lakeside hotel is its restaurant and a terrace, set away from the main building, which benefits from great views of the lake which guests can enjoy over a meal or a drink from the bar. The bar, just off the main lobby, also serves tapas most evenings. Casa Andina Premium in Puno is a homegrown Peruvian hotel option that benefits from a quiet and attractive location set on the lake, away from the main town.
Colca Lodge, Colca Canyon
Located at 3,250 above sea level and three-and-a-half hours from Arequipa on the banks of the River Colca, Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs is surrounded by hundreds of pre-Incan terraces declared part of Peru’s cultural heritage. Boasting relaxing thermal springs rich in lithium and a tranquil spa right on the hotel’s grounds, it makes for the perfect place to unwind after a busy itinerary. The only real contender for an overnight option in the valley, the lodge is around an hour from the famed Condor’s Cross. After exploring the canyon, guests will welcome retiring back to a wonderful feast at the restaurant, followed by some downtime in one of the 45 rooms which offer simplicity with a bit of character facing the river and valley. There is also a short hike right from the hotel’s doorstep to a small pre-Inca archaeological site. The British owner is deeply involved in conservation efforts within the country, and proceeds go towards funding various community projects and encouraging responsible tourism in Peru.
Le Reve Boutique Hotel, Santiago
Set in the tree-lined residential area of Providencia in Santiago, this 14-room boutique hotel is equally homey and stylish. Designed as a century-old, French-style manor, it has a charming courtyard and vine covered façade. The small, charming Hotel La Reve has a low-key elegance, forgoing facilities like a swimming pool or the other trappings of a larger hotel. It is located just a few metro stops away from the hustle and bustle of both the Bellavista and Lastarria neighbourhoods.
Arawi Miraflores Hotel, Lima
The four-star Arawi is found in the upmarket district of Miraflores and offers simple, modern luxury in a small hotel. The 31 elegant ensuite rooms are smartly furnished with marble bathrooms and feature all mod cons including LED TV and Wi-Fi. The interior design is contemporary with the corridors exhibiting local art. Aklla, the onsite restaurant & bar, offers a lovely introduction to Peruvian cuisine, serving up fresh ceviche, lomo saltado and of course the signature cocktail pisco sour. The highlight is the location, within walking distance from Larco Mar seafront shopping centre, the esplanade and the country’s best restaurants.
Los Flamencos Eco Hotel, Southern Deserts
Los Flamencos is situated near the Chilean border on the shores of Laguna Hedionda, on the South Lipez desert. Pink flamingos abound and you are surrounded by plateau and mountains. This eco hotel has simple rooms with private bathrooms and hot water. Try the coca liquor in the on site restaurant, which serves fixed dinners and buffet breakfasts.
Katari, Arequipa
Katari is a fantastic boutique hotel in a prime location on the main square of Plaza de Armas. Boasting one of the best views of the city, the hotel sits across the plaza from the city’s historic Cathedral which can be admired from the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes. Rooms are charming with colonial-style décor, brick floors, local alpaca textiles and designer ensuite bathrooms. There are also treatment rooms available for a massage. Please note that the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, however breakfast is included and served on the rooftop terrace during the warmer summer months.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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OTHER ITINERARIES IN BOLIVIA
Check out our group tours in Bolivia
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